UAE healthcare comparison
Healthcare in Abu Dhabi vs Sharjah.
The UAE Open Healthcare Directory lists 2,475 healthcare providers in Abu Dhabi and 1,784 in Sharjah. Both cities require employer-provided health insurance for residents. Below is a side-by-side comparison of provider counts, average ratings, and top-rated facilities. Facilities and licence details come from the public registers of the UAE health regulators; ratings and opening hours come from Google.
Side-by-side comparison
| Metric | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah |
|---|---|---|
| Total Providers | 2,475 | 1,784 |
| Average Rating | 4.4(1267 rated) | 4.5(882 rated) |
| Hospitals | 48 | 12 |
| Clinics | 1225 | 719 |
| Dental Clinics | 140 | 145 |
| Pharmacies | 811 | 520 |
Top-rated providers
Abu Dhabi
Sharjah
Insurance coverage
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi requires health insurance for residents. UAE nationals are covered by Thiqa; expatriates are usually covered by Daman or an employer plan, and AXA, Cigna, MetLife and Allianz are also common. Check each listing for the plans it accepts.
Sharjah
Plans commonly accepted in the Northern Emirates include Daman, AXA, Cigna, MetLife, Orient Insurance and Oman Insurance. Check each listing for the plans it accepts.
More city comparisons
Abu Dhabi vs Sharjah Healthcare FAQ
Which city has better quality healthcare, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah?
Based on Google ratings, Abu Dhabi providers have an average rating of 4.4 (across 1,267 rated providers) while Sharjah averages 4.5 (across 882 rated providers). Quality depends on the specific provider, specialty, and your needs rather than the city alone.
Is it easier to access healthcare in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah?
The UAE Open Healthcare Directory lists 2,475 healthcare providers in Abu Dhabi compared to 1,784 in Sharjah. Abu Dhabi has 48 hospitals and 1,225 clinics listed, while Sharjah has 12 hospitals and 719 clinics.
How does insurance coverage differ between Abu Dhabi and Sharjah?
Abu Dhabi requires health insurance for residents. UAE nationals are covered by Thiqa; expatriates are usually covered by Daman or an employer plan, and AXA, Cigna, MetLife and Allianz are also common. Check each listing for the plans it accepts. In Sharjah: Plans commonly accepted in the Northern Emirates include Daman, AXA, Cigna, MetLife, Orient Insurance and Oman Insurance. Check each listing for the plans it accepts. Check the individual provider listings on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory to confirm which insurance plans are accepted at specific facilities.
Disclaimer: Facilities and licence details come from the public registers of the UAE health regulators; ratings and opening hours come from Google. See data sources. This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.